Uruguay ups THC limit as recreational cannabis customer base grows

Prices dropping? Rent rising? Get practical insights and proven strategies for running a successful cannabis retail operation with the MJBizDaily Retail Strategy Buyers Guide. Download your free copy. 


Uruguay’s government has increased its THC limit for recreational customers from 2% to 9%, meaning the country is a step closer to a full-strength adult-use program.

Five months after the launch of recreational cannabis sales, more than 16,000 Uruguayans have registered to buy marijuana, The Independent reported. Roughly 5,000 had signed up for the rec program when sales began July 19.

Here’s what you need to know:
  • Uruguay is the first country in the world to legalize production, sale and consumption of cannabis.
  • Although more Uruguayans are signing up to buy recreational cannabis, the market remains limited.
  • Adult-use marijuana may be distributed in Uruguay only by pharmacies, but just a handful have signed on to sell it.
  • Only two Uruguayan companies are licensed to grow cannabis.
  • Selling medical marijuana remains illegal in the South American country.